I got a chuckle reading about your experiences with the Meade 201XT. That was my first "autoguider" as well. I actually did get mine to work... sometimes. Definitely an 'interesting' piece of equipment.

I totally agree. A great report and especially so as it's backed by some months of use. One thing I'm curious about is the noise level. If anyone knows how does it compare with the AP1200? To my ears the AP1200 noise levels are perfectly acceptable and quite pleasant to my ears.

I totally agree. A great report and especially so as it's backed by some months of use. One thing I'm curious about is the noise level. If anyone knows how does it compare with the AP1200? To my ears the AP1200 noise levels are perfectly acceptable and quite pleasant to my ears.

Gavin

The one time I observed with Jared (I think it was his first light with the new Mach1) and heard him do a full slew it was much quieter than my CGE. I won't say it was whisper quiet, but it was not distracting by any means. It's a very nice mount that's for sure.

Thanks for the great review, Jared. This hit home for me since I put my name on the list about 6 months ago for one, and I'll be upgrading from my GM-8 for astrophotography purposes through my 102 mm refractor. The idea was also to accomodate something bigger in the future, like a 150 or a newt of some kind. I'm somewhat used to the polar scope on my GM-8, so I'm hoping alignment won't be much of an issue. I liked your thoughts on the eagle pier as well. I've been going back and forth on which option to get. I was considering even the fixed-height portable pier, but I may opt for the eagle now. I appreciate the review!

I use a CGEM and having read this review, could kick myself for not going the extra distance to purchase the Mach1. I remember my outrage first seeing the "Made in China" posted on the boxes, not knowing Celestron had been bought by the Chinese. Saddest of all, I live in Redondo Beach, next to Torrance (I really should have known).